Kitchens can make or break home sales. They are often the first room potential buyers want to see when they view your home. An upgraded, beautiful kitchen can make your home irresistible to buyers.
According to HGTV, your kitchen should earn a 70 percent return on investment when you sell your house. But where should you spend your renovation budget? Here are six ways to upgrade your kitchen to make it more appealing to buyers.
- Meet with a realtor. Ask a local real estate agent what buyers are looking for in your neighborhood. Perhaps it is a certain finish like stainless steel, or maybe it is an appliance brand name.
- Keep style and color simple. Select neutral (not necessarily white) colors for appliances, backsplashes, countertops and cabinets. Avoid busy patterns and “loud” colors. Think muted grays, soft browns and creams.
- Don’t go to extremes. Avoid being cheap, but know that you don’t have to buy the highest end features and products to appeal to buyers. Spend some time thinking whether an item is a necessity or a luxury.
- Create an open floor plan. According to HGTV, buyers are really looking for this feature in a kitchen. If your budget allows for it, knock out a wall or two to open up the space.
- Add some “pop” features. Buyers love to see convenience items such as a pull-out pantry and under-cabinet lighting fixtures. You can also impress them with extra drawers and stone flooring.
- Splurge for granite. The experts agree – buyers want to see granite countertops no matter your home’s price range. You don’t have to buy the most high-end slab to make a difference. Companies often offer a great deal on first tier granite, which looks just as nice.
